Reading Toy Run

Bike Channel's Christmas Show's Toy Run Report!

2012-01-04T02:40:00.000Z

The first seven minutes of the following Bike Channel programme, broadcast on Sky 203 on Boxing Day, features the 2011 Reading Toy Run. the original link is Here

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2011 Reading Toy Run - Media Reports

2011-12-08T11:31:00.001Z

Original Reading Evening Post Feature

Original Wokingham Times Feature

2011 Toy Run A Huge Success!

2011-12-05T13:58:00.001Z

On behalf of Ben, the organising team, the marshalls and all at Barnardo's High Close School we would like to express our sincere thanks to all 1700 run participants (on 1300 bikes) and to the local communities who turned out on the route to watch. It all made for a very successful occasion that we trust will be of benefit to many.

At Barnardo's the gifts were received by staff, volunteers and friends and school principal Zoe Lattimer addressed the crowd explaining how all the gifts will be used and distributed around many local and specialist projects.

News items and You Tube clips will follow shortly I am sure - as will a feature on the Bike Channel broadcast on Sky Channel 203 on Boxing Day, 7.30pm.

In the meantime here's a link to ITV Meridian News item.

The following clip is the last 4 minutes of highlights of the official Reading Toy Run video, released in 2010, which is a colourful 68 minute video that captures the heart and soul of the Reading Toy Run. It includes interviews with the organisers and bikers with shots along the route from Reading to Barnardo's School in Wokingham. There's even some footage from 1985! It's a light-hearted video from start to finish accompanied by a superb music track kindly supplied by local bands.

To order the video you can down load an order form HERE

On behalf of us all involved we would like to extend our warmest Christmas greetings to all the friends and supporters of the event. May something of the Spirit of the Christ child, Immanuel, 'God with us', be real to you and those you love this Christmas. Cheers and God bless - we do indeed thank God for you.
Sean Stillman

Postscript:
2011 Reading Toy Run - Riding in memory of founding participant John Thorogood and run chief marshall, Peter Allen who both died recently - 'in the sure and certain hope that their journey continues'.

2011 Toy Run Date

2011-09-27T11:23:00.000+01:00

The date for the 2011 Reading Christian Bikers 26th Annual Toy Run is set to be Sunday 4th December.

1pm meet at Foster Wheeler, (Formerly Shire Hall), near to J 11 M4.
Directions: from J11, M4, take exit B3270 (signposted Earley) - Whitleywood Lane running parallel with the M4. It may also be sign posted Reading FC park and ride.

Please bring along a new toy suitable for a child of any age, preferably un-wrapped and it will be distributed by Barnardo's where it will be valued by a child in their care.

The start location is shown in the map on the top of the left hand side bar

Many thanks for everyone's ongoing support!

2011 Dr. B's Bike Show

2011-05-20T10:46:00.006+01:00

THIS YEARS DR B'S CUSTOM AND CLASSIC BIKE SHOW WILL BE ON SUNDAY 19 JUNE, 2011.
10am - 4pm

Barnardo's High Close School, Wiltshire Road, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1TT
More Info from Ben on 0118 9787095

Numerous Custom and Classic bike show catagories - All welcome

AS always all money raised will go towards to ongoing work of Barnardo's at High Close School.

View Larger Map

Peter Allen, RIP

2011-05-10T10:31:00.011+01:00

It is with deep sadness, that all of us involved with the Reading Toy Run bring the news that, Peter Allen has died. Peter was the run's Chief Marshall and had been involved in the Toy Run since it's early days, 25 years ago. He had overseen the ever increasing demands of the logistics of getting thousands of bikes safely around the route of the run and done it perfectly, time after time, with an infectious enthusiasm.

Having made all the arrangements for last years run, Peter was too ill to attend, as asbestos related lung cancer began to take hold. Pete leaves a huge hole in the lives of all who knew him - a hugely generous spirited gentleman that will be missed by us all.

Our thoughts and prayers during these days are very much with and for Pete's family and they extend their invitation to all that knew Pete to join them, on one final ride, in celebrating his life and saying farewell on Thursday 19 May, 2011.

The funeral courtege will gather to leave from Arborfield Royal British Legion Club, Eversley Road, Arborfield, Reading, RG2 9PR at 2pm riding to Easthampstead Crematorium (South Road, Nine Mile Ride, RG40 3DW) for a service at 3pm.

Instead of flowers, the family kindly request a donation to the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance. We hope to raise money in memory of Pete to put towards a specific piece of equipment.

How to donate:

1) Go to www.tvacaa.org
2) Click on “DONATE NOW” button on the front page
(Its a blue button on the right of the screen, near the bottom of the page).
3) Complete the online donation form. Please check the ‘gift Aid’ box when entering the amount.
4) Important: In the “Organisation” box, please type: ‘In memory of Peter Allen’.

Reading Toy Run 25th Anniversary DVD

2010-12-10T22:38:00.003Z

Toy Run supporter Mike Clarke has produced a stunning 68 minute DVD in celebration of 25 years of the Reading Toy Run. The excellently produced programme features archive footage from way back in the 80's, into the 90's and up to the 2009 Run in addition to media coverage, interviews with participants and informative narration and a soundtrack featuring three Berkshire based bands including long time Toy Run supporter, Larry Miller.

These DVD's have been produced in a limited quantity and are available at Smith's of Whitley Wood in Reading or by using the mail order form HERE.

All profits will be going to Barnardo's. Our thanks to Mike, his production team at Centreline Video and all those who contributed to the making of this fantastic momento - it really does capture the heart and soul of the Reading Toy Run .... go on you know you want to ...!

Already got the DVD? Feel free to send us some feedback via the comment option below ....

Thankyou from Ben

2010-12-09T22:32:00.002Z

Thankyou to all that turned up for the 25th anniversary of the Reading Toy Run. I hope you all had a brilliant albeit a very cold time (but atleast it wasnt snowing!) God works in mysterious ways with the weather!

There were 900 bikes and 1000's of spectators. All of you have produced an outstanding amount of presents once again, and we thank you for your generosity.

The Toy run started the same year as live aid, where David Bowie sang 2 songs: Rebel, Rebel and Heroes for one day.

Bikers are seen as Rebels but on the 5th Decemeber 2010 you were all heroes.

On behalf of the children that we may not ever see (including their smiles),
Thank You.

See you next year,

God bless,

Ben Spiller.
Thank God For Bikers.

PS. Order Form for 25th Anniversary DVD available here. More info to follow.

Acknowledging Ben's Work Over 25 years

2010-12-08T22:58:00.003Z

Artist Ken Rothery presented Ben with this mural, as a gift on behalf of all those involved with the Reading Toy Run over the past 25 years ... deep appreciation on behalf of us all.

2010 Toy Run News Reports

2010-12-08T14:59:00.003Z

Reading Evening Post 8.12.10 and the gallery from their site.

Wokingham Times Video Coverage and News Feature

For more participants videos try this you tube search .....

Our thanks to all the local media outlets that support this years event.

25 years on - THANK YOU

2010-12-06T13:04:00.003Z

A huge thank you to all those who took part in the run this year and also to those hundreds and hundreds of folks who lined the streets.

Please check back in a few days for video links to news coverage, a message from Ben and also details of how you can get hold of a fantastic limited edition DVD produced for this years 25th Anniversary Run!!

Check out the facebook group (link on the left) for photo uploads and reaction.

Once again - a massive effort by all involved and deeply appreciated by those benefitting from the run.

FINAL PREP FOR 2010 TOY RUN

2010-12-04T18:54:00.003Z

Weather is looking very favourable folks, so it will be business as usual. If for any reason your are unable to travel because of icy conditions in your area, Barnardo's High Close School will still be able to accept toys until next Tuesday. Otherwise we look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow afternoon. Run details in earlier posts below. Ride safely and our thanks to the local community that come out and show support and are affected by the brief road closures.

MEDIA NOTICE ON BEHALF OF BARNARDO'S, HIGH CLOSE SCHOOL
"Rareday is currently filming a documentary about High Close for Channel 4. They will be filming on Sunday during the bikers visit.
Filming will concentrate on some of the students attending the event, but thereis a possibility that some of you will feature in the background. Please contact Katherine Anstey (katherine@rareday.co.uk) if you do not wish to be filmed."

Reading Toy Run 5 DEC, 2010 - Weather Update

2010-12-02T11:27:00.003Z

Due to current snow falls overnight in Berkshire, we have been receiving questions as to whether the run is going ahead.
We can confirm at this stage, it is 'business as usual'. If there is a change, we will aim to make an announcement here by 9am on Sunday morning.

See the post below for details of the event itself.

25th Anniversary Reading Toy Run Date Announced

2010-09-02T09:09:00.001+01:00

The date for the 2010 Reading Christian Bikers Annual Toy Run is set to be Sunday 5th December.

1pm meet at Foster Wheeler, (Formerly Shire Hall), near to J 11 M4.
Directions: from J11, M4, take exit B3270 (signposted Earley) - Whitleywood Lane running parallel with the M4. It may also be sign posted Reading FC park and ride.

Please bring along a new toy suitable for a child of any age, preferably un-wrapped and it will be distributed by Barnardo's where it will be valued by a child in their care.

Dr. B's Bike Show Success!

2010-07-01T16:38:00.003+01:00

Many thanks to all those who supported the bike show this year - once again there was a great turnout and High Close School will be receiving £2000 as a result of everyone's efforts. As usual, the money raised will go to buy equipment and opportunities that would not have been funded elsewhere. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Pictures to follow.

Dr. B's Bike Show 2010 Date Announced

2010-04-24T11:14:00.004+01:00

Dr. B's Bike Show 2010 Date Announced
THIS YEARS DR B'S CUSTOM AND CLASSIC BIKE SHOW WILL BE ON SUNDAY 20 JUNE, 2010.

Barnardo's High Close School, Wiltshire Road, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1TT
More Info from Ben on 0118 9787095

Numerous Custom and Classic bike show catagories - more info to follow.

AS always all money raised will go towards to ongoing work of Barnardo's at High Close School.

View Larger Map

Reading Evening Post Feature - 2009 Toy Run

2009-12-09T21:57:00.001Z

Picture Gallery Link

Wokingham Times video from 2009 Toy Run

2009-12-09T11:02:00.001Z

2009 Toy Run - A huge success!!

2009-12-07T10:45:00.002Z

Sincere thanks to all who came on the 24th Annual Reading Toy Run! What a fantastic day it was - a massive turnout in the sunshine. Somewhere in the region of 2,000 people took part with hundreds lining the streets along the route.
Special thanks was given to Rose, the High Close School Principal as this will be her last Toy Run - she was presented with a momento in appreciation for her support. It was also noted that through the proceeds of these events and the bike shows sports equipment will be purchased to equipment the new sports hall. The mountain of Toys and gifts donated on the day bears witness to the bikers generosity. These gifts will be distributed throughout the network of Barnardo's projects in the south of England.
Expect to see some extended coverage in Wednesday's Reading Evening post - here's an initial web article here.
You may also like to check this You Tube link, (a search for Reading Toy Run 2009), to see what videos are being posted from participants. Here's a couple of tasters to give some idea of the numbers that supported the event and there are hundreds of photos being added in the facebook group (see link on left):

A personal note from Ben:

Thankyou all, for coming to the 2009 Reading Toy Run. On behalf of the organisors and Barnardo's we hope you had a great day. You have helped make a childs Christmas.

Thank God For Bikers!

Ben

Gearing up for the Toy Run this Sunday

2009-12-04T17:30:00.002Z

2nd Dec article in Reading Evening Post sets the scene . . . . SEE YOU THERE!

2009 Toy Run date announced

2009-09-15T12:48:00.003+01:00

The date for the 2009 Reading Christian Bikers Annual Toy Run is set to be Sunday 6th December.

1pm meet at Foster Wheeler, (Formerly Shire Hall), near to J 11 M4.
Directions: from J11, M4, take exit B3270 (signposted Earley) - Whitleywood Lane running parallel with the M4. It may also be sign posted Reading FC park and ride.

Please bring along a new toy suitable for a child of any age, preferably un-wrapped and it will be distributed by Barnardo's where it will be valued by a child in their care.

2009 Dr. B's Show - Huge Success!!!

2009-06-25T14:15:00.003+01:00

Many thanks to all those who camE to this years show and helped contribute in the region of £2500 on the day!
As usual the standard of show bikes was extremely high, with 100 bikes on display, Ben reckons it's the best show in recent years! Profits from the event go towards specific projects at Barnardo's High Close School in Wokingham.

PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON FOR THE DECEMBER TOY RUN DATE . . . .

Dr. B's Bike Show 2009 Date Announced

2009-04-06T00:38:00.003+01:00

THIS YEARS DR B'S CUSTOM AND CLASSIC BIKE SHOW WILL BE ON SUNDAY 21 JUNE, 2009.

Barnardo's High Close School, wiltshire Road, Wokingham.
More Info from Ben on 0118 9787095

Reading Toy Run History

2009-04-06T00:36:00.002+01:00

What is the Toy Run?
The Reading Toy Run is an annual charity motorcycle ride in Reading - held just before Christmas. It has continued over two decades to attract hundreds of bikers from all aspects of the biking fraternity to join together, mid winter, in bringing gifts of toys to a major childrens charity. These toys are then distributed by Barnardo's, over the Christmas period to children in many of their centres around the UK. in recent years, the ride has attracted over 2000 participants.

Where did the run originate

The first Reading Toy Run was held in 1985 and was organised by the then Reading Branch of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA). A total of 18 motorcyclists took part, mainly consisting of the club members and a few friends, meeting up at the Pheasant Pub in Winnersh and taking gifts to children at the Battle Hospital.

The next Run wasn't until 1987, when we went to a childrens centre in Caversham and returned to the YMCA for refreshments, a raffle and a Christmas talk from Sean. The run continued every year since then - using different meeting points: Prospect Park, Palmer Park, Arborfield, Grazeley and Spencers Wood Village Halls and in more recents years Shire Hall/Foster Wheeler.

Who are Reading Christian Bikers?

When the Reading Branch of the CMA closed, due to most members moving out of the area, in the early 90's, the Toy Run however continued and is run under the name of Reading Christian Bikers. They are a gathering of Christian Biking mates, not a club, who rely very heavily on yet more mates, not necessarily sharing the faith but have a strong desire to be involved, in pulling off the event each year. Of the original CMA group, several are still involved - the principal visionary; Ben Spiller and his wife Jane, God's Squad's Sean Stillman and TVAM's Peter Allen, (Chief Marshall). Then there's a whole bunch of other folk who have given of their energy and supported over many years - Nij & Trish, Baldrick, Jim and Lyn, Reading MAG, Grub, John & Leigh (PA), Tony K. . . . . . . and many many more . . . . we thank you.

As well as catching up with friends and getting cold participants at the Toy Run can be assured some warm soup, a short christmas message presented by Sean and a chance to win some prizes donated by local motorcycle outlets. (See the Good guys list for a list of sponsors and links). Go on, turn up, you know you want to!!

New Site

2009-04-06T00:31:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the new Toy Run Web Page.
Have changed to this format to aid easier updating. I'll keep the old site up via the links on the left, including the events history.
Your comments are always appreciated.